HRNGDS 64

~Chapter 64~

Delphina thought carefully about when she started liking Elcayan.

“It was slowly, from the moment I didn’t even notice.”

After dancing with him at the banquet, her cheeks flushed and her heart raced painfully fast when she saw him.

“Delphina, get a grip. He’s just my contract fiancé.”

Blushing, Delphina lowered her head.

Elcayan watched Ivelina approach.

After settling in, the Duke and Duchess asked to meet briefly.

Elcayan didn’t want to bother Delphina and came alone to meet them.

“Just as Delphina expected.”

Delphina had told him Ivelina would be there. He planned to leave immediately if Ivelina showed up, but Delphina convinced him to stay.

“I want the Grand Duke to meet my uncle’s family.”

“The Rikeion family?”

“Yes, Ivelina always tries to steal my people. She will probably be there but won’t want me present. They want to ask the Grand Duke to drop the lawsuit. Ivelina will act pitiful.”

“You know her well.”

“I’ve been hurt many times. Ivelina always causes trouble, but I get blamed.”

Elcayan frowned. Delphina sometimes shared past stories if they seemed important.

Though she only meant to give information, he felt very uncomfortable.

“What do you want me to do?”

“Tell Ivelina that to drop the lawsuit, she must change my mind.”

“Why?”

“Because it will annoy Ivelina most. She’ll have to beg me. Also, since we’re pretending to be in love, it’s better to show it clearly in front of everyone. Besides, I want to be alone with Ivelina too.”

“Do you want an apology?”

“No, I want more than that.”

Delphina smiled wickedly.

Elcayan thought,

“That smile suits you.”

Suddenly, he was startled by his own thought.

“What am I thinking?”

He shook his head.

Even when Delphina was not around, he couldn’t stop thinking about her.

Johannes and Delphina repeatedly told him to act like lovers.

Calix and the Northern people worried Elcayan might fail at acting, but he strangely felt confident.

He looked at Ivelina like a dish made by Calix.

He did not hide his dislike for her.

Ivelina felt it and turned her head, lips pressed tight.

Elcayan asked the Duke and Duchess,

“Why did you want to meet me alone?”

His cold tone made Duke Rikeion sweat nervously.

For some reason, Elcayan seemed stronger and fiercer than before their engagement.

He looked at his son Diancho, who avoided his gaze.

Elcayan recalled what the family’s knight captain said:

“We saw Elcayan Rohaim at the last banquet. He’s become much stronger. The Northern knights too. Something has happened, and everyone is stronger than before.”

All thanks to Delphina’s cooking, though no one guessed that.

The Duke cleared his throat and said,

“We wanted to check if Delphina is doing well. It’s easier to talk when she’s not here.”

“Then why are the Rikeion princess and prince here?”

“Well, they have a connection. Ivelina almost got engaged instead. They will be family soon.”

Elcayan gave a cold smile.

The Duke hurried,

“Yes, family. So, let’s talk.”

“You don’t mean the lawsuit?”

“What lawsuit between family? Ivelina made mistakes but is truly sorry.”

Elcayan looked at Ivelina, who was pale and bowing her head, tears falling.

She knew how to make others pity her.

“Grand Duke, I’m still young and made mistakes. I’m sorry for almost hurting Delphina.”

Elcayan’s gaze was cold and sharp.

“So?”

“Yes?”

“So what? Do you think feeling sorry means you don’t pay the price?”

“That’s…”

“And you should apologize to my fiancée, not me.”

For a moment, Elcayan’s eyes softened.

Ivelina noticed it was because of Delphina.

The Duke quickly said,

“Don’t worry, Grand Duke. Ivelina will properly apologize to Delphina.”

Ivelina’s lips trembled, but Elcayan ignored it.

“Honestly, I don’t care much about the lawsuit. I just want Delphina to forgive.”

The Duke’s eyes lit up.

“So if Delphina forgives, you will drop the lawsuit?”

“If she wants that, yes. So telling me is useless. Ivelina must get Delphina’s forgiveness.”

Elcayan smiled lightly — the first smile since arriving.

The Duke was surprised; Elcayan looked like a man deeply in love.

Ivelina felt humiliated.

“The Northern Grand Duke looks at me like trash…”

Yet, Elcayan’s loving look was only for Delphina.

Ivelina lowered her eyes, trembling with shame.

Delphina nervously watched Elcayan. His face was hard to read.

After talking with the Duke, Elcayan returned to Delphina’s room.

She instinctively covered her eyes, noticing his thin clothes — a black gown loosely open at the front.

His delicate, muscular body was partly visible.

He stared at her for a long time before speaking.

“The Duke and Diancho want to go hunting tomorrow. Calix too. Probably to give you and Ivelina time alone.”

“As expected.”

Elcayan hesitated, then said,

“If you change your mind, tell me anytime. You don’t have to force yourself to spend time with the Rikeion family, Delphina.”